Key Takeaway: Both quartz and granite are excellent, durable kitchen countertops. Quartz is engineered, non-porous, and typically does not require sealing; confirm the selected product’s care instructions. Granite is natural stone, offers natural slab variation; protect it from hot cookware. Choose by the actual slab, finish and care requirements. Installed cost is similar: quartz $65–$120/sq ft, granite $50–$100/sq ft.
Explore countertop selections when you are ready to discuss the room and scope.
The prices below are the figures in the original dated article. They are retained as published examples, not verified current averages, offers or project quotes. Scope, site conditions and selections require a new proposal.
Quartz and granite are countertop options to compare for appearance, use and care. They look similar at a glance but behave very differently day to day. This 2026 guide compares them head to head across the factors that actually matter: cost, durability, maintenance, heat, appearance, and resale value.
Quartz vs. Granite: Quick Comparison
| Factor | Quartz | Granite |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Engineered; confirm the selected product’s composition | Natural stone |
| Installed cost | $65–$120 / sq ft | $50–$100 / sq ft |
| Maintenance | Follow product instructions | Ask supplier about sealing |
| Heat resistance | Use trivets | Use trivets |
| Scratch/stain resistance | Product-specific; protect from damage | Slab-specific; protect from damage |
| Appearance | Consistent, wide color range | Unique veining, every slab differs |
| Compare for | Engineered appearance and product-specific care | Natural slab variation and stone-specific care |
What Is Quartz?
Quartz countertops are engineered surfaces. Compare the selected product’s composition, finish and care instructions. Cambria’s care guidance specifies no sealing for its quartz, but recommends protection from heat and appropriate cleaning. That product-specific guidance should not be turned into a promise that every quartz surface is stain-proof, scratch-proof or maintenance-free.
What Is Granite?
Granite is a natural-stone countertop option. Compare the actual slab and finish, and ask the supplier about care and any factory treatment. Use trivets or mats under hot cookware. The Natural Stone Institute advises that some stones do not require sealing and that sealing improves stain resistance rather than making a surface stain-proof.
Quartz vs. Granite: Cost
Original published figure(s), for reference: Cost overlaps, but granite usually starts a little cheaper. Installed quartz typically runs $65–$120 per square foot, while granite runs $50–$100 per square foot in the Northern Virginia market. Entry-level granite is often the most budget-friendly natural stone, while premium designer quartz, rare granite, or quartzite sit at the top. For a typical kitchen with 40–50 square feet of counter, the difference between comparable quartz and granite is usually a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars, small relative to the overall remodel. See our kitchen remodel cost guide for how countertops fit the full budget.
Durability & Heat Resistance
Compare the specific products rather than relying on a blanket hardness ranking. Protect both surfaces from hot cookware and use cutting boards. Review the product and fabricator’s instructions for edges, finishes and everyday use.
Maintenance & Sealing
Ask for care instructions before selecting the slab. Cambria states that its quartz needs no sealing. Granite’s sealing requirements depend on the particular stone and treatment; consult the supplier about the appropriate product and reapplication schedule. Follow the selected surface’s cleaning instructions, and do not treat sealing as protection from every stain or contamination risk.
Appearance & Variety
Granite offers natural, one-of-a-kind beauty; quartz offers consistency and range. No two granite slabs are identical, the veining and movement are unique to your kitchen, which many homeowners love. Quartz gives you predictable patterns and an enormous color range, including clean whites and realistic marble looks that are hard to achieve in natural stone. If you want a specific, repeatable look (or marble’s appearance without the upkeep), quartz delivers; if you want a natural statement piece, granite does.
Stain & Scratch Resistance
Spill resistance is not a promise of immunity. Clean spills promptly using methods approved for the selected surface. Protect edges and finishes, use cutting boards, and ask the supplier which cleaners to avoid. A sealer can improve resistance on suitable stone but does not make it stain-proof.
Resale Value & ROI
Neither countertop choice guarantees a resale return. Review the overall kitchen design and project budget. If you plan to sell, discuss current local buyer preferences with a real-estate professional rather than assuming a material name establishes an increase in value.
Which Should You Choose?
Use this quick decision framework:
- Consider quartz if you prefer an engineered appearance and its specified care requirements suit your household.
- Consider granite if you prefer natural slab variation and are comfortable with the selected stone’s care requirements.
- Compare both beside your cabinet and floor samples before choosing.
One way to compare the options is to see full slabs in person, under real lighting, next to your cabinet and floor samples.
Other Countertop Options to Consider
Quartz and granite aren’t the only choices. Quartzite, marble and butcher block offer other appearances and care requirements. Compare the specific product, finish, installation and written care guidance rather than assuming one material is more durable or less expensive. Each has its place, our designers can walk you through all of them. See the full lineup on our countertops page.
See Quartz & Granite in Person at GBC Kitchen & Bath
Review supporting project information: Book a free in-home estimate
Ready to Choose Your Countertops?
Compare quartz, granite, and more in person at a GBC Kitchen & Bath showroom in Alexandria, Ashburn, Rockville, or Columbia. Book a free in-home estimate and plan your new kitchen with a designer, backed by our 3-year workmanship warranty.
For care details, see Cambria product care and the Natural Stone Institute care guide. Use the instructions applicable to your selected product.
